Region’s stars to be honoured at university

Among those to be honoured is Mike Tomlinson, husband of the late Jane Tomlinson CBE, who has carried on fundraising since her death from cancer in 2007 - raising more than £3m for charity.

Backed by the Yorkshire Post, Mr Tomlinson was behind this year’s inaugural Walk For All Festival, the largest new charity event to be launched in the Dales for over a decade.

Scarborough playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn will also receive an honorary degree when a series of graduation ceremonies take place in York Minster this month, along with the chief executive of Marks and Spencer, Marc Bolland.

Other honours will go to England Rugby Union player Hendre Fourie, paratriathlete Alan Rayment and international football referee Howard Webb MBE.

Mr Tomlinson, Mr Rayment and Mr Webb will each receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Health Sciences on November 18 and Mr Bolland will be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration on November 16. Sir Alan and Mr Fourie will be honoured in separate ceremonies on November 17.

Sir Alan, who will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters, is renowned for his association and work at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre where he was artistic director for 37 years. The acclaimed playwright, who has written 75 plays, was knighted in 1997 for services to theatre.

Hendre Fourie, who will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Health Sciences, spent four seasons with Leeds Carnegie before joining Sale Sharks this summer. He previously played for Rotherham Titans.

Vice chancellor Professor David Fleming said: “Every year, the university confers honorary degrees on people who have made a significant contribution to society. York St John is delighted to be recognising these six remarkable individuals who each excel in their fields and act as outstanding role models to our students and graduates.”

The awards will be presented by the Chancellor of York St John University and Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, or by Professor Fleming in front of an audience of graduands, their families and friends, and staff and guests of the university.